Einar C. Stromquist, 92, of Lindstrom, MN, passed away on Labor Day. After a fall at home that involved severe internal cranial bleeding, he nevertheless rallied and spent a couple of weeks at the Parmly nursing facility in Chisago City before succumbing. He was the beloved father of daughter Tamara, of Sherwood, OR and son Tyrone, of Stacy, MN. His sweet, patient wife of nearly 50 years, Vernell Fors, of Grantsburg, WI, died in 1995. He is survived by his brother, Elmer (Joyce) and sisters, Gladys (Herb) Paul and Dorothy (Gene) Hansen and was preceded in death last year by a brother, Fillmore (Frances).
The oldest son of Axel and Anna (Carlson) Stromquist of North Branch, Einar worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps building parks in the area and served in the Medical Corps in Hawaii during WW II. Coincidentally, his birthday was 11/11, Veteran's Day. An expert carpenter like his father, he built his family three houses along Highway 97, east of Forest Lake and later two houses on Little Comfort Lake in Chisago County, plus contributing to other houses of friends and relatives who had helped with his. Meanwhile he accumulated more than 30 years as an employee of Hamm's Brewery. Lindstrom became his last home when he gladly gave up the stairs and upkeep of a big house for a mobile home in a friendly park.
He kept busy and active until the end, often driving to the casino at Turtle Lake and being the self-appointed volunteer groundskeeper at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, in North Branch, where Vernell and his parents are buried and whom he will join in his final resting place. His sense of humor and gift of gab will be greatly missed by friends and family. According to his wishes, no services will be held. "Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow."
Rbt. Louis Stevenson
Funeral Home: Mattson Funeral Home 343 North Shore Drive Forest Lake, MN US 55025